Ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, Russian newspapers warn that a Democratic victory could lead to investigations into Donald Trump’s policy and negotiations, Nettavisen reported. Russian media have filled their pages with editorials arguing that the political balance in Washington impacts the Kremlin’s negotiating posture in the war in Ukraine.
Russian political scientists interviewed by outlets like Gazeta.ru and Argumenty i Fakty suggest that Democrats are more anti-Russian and pro-Ukrainian than the Trump-administration. If Democrats capture the House of Representatives or the Senate, analysts warn they will utilize congressional powers to scrutinize diplomacy, diesel agreements, and sanctions relief.
Congressional subpoenas will limit Trump cooperation with Russia
Russian experts anticipate a barrage of subpoenas targeting administration representatives. Political scientist Dmitrij Suslov told Argumenty i Fakty that Democrats possess a powerful tool in congressional hearings, promising to demand transcripts of negotiations and summon Witkoff, Kushner and other administration representatives who led them to hearings.
Suslov warned that these inquiries will frame Trump as being a Russian agent. “All of this domestic political pressure will undoubtedly limit Trump’s ability to develop cooperation with Russia,” Suslov said, according to Argumenty i Fakty. He added that any attempt to come to an agreement with Russia will trigger a series of statements in Congress.
At the same time, Nezavisimaja Gazeta reported that if Trump loses the majority in both chambers, he will be involved in a series of investigations initiated by Democrats, and it is unlikely he will manage to carry out the policy he considers correct, including that involving Russia. Conversely, figures including Marco Rubio have noted that while Congress plays a role regarding funding and appropriations, questions of national security and foreign policy are to a large extent governed by the president.
Moscow demands recognition of Crimea and four regions
BBC Russia correspondent Steve Rosenberg noted from Moscow that the commentary suggests that if Democrats perform well in the midterms, it opens up for Russia to blame the U.S. domestic political situation for Russia’s lack of willingness to make such concessions. Since Trump came back to power in January 2025, the U.S. has not approved more support packages to Ukraine.
Moscow’s demands include:
- Ukrainian and international recognition of Crimea and four other Ukrainian regions as Russian territory.
- Extensive restrictions on Ukraine’s military power in the future.
- Ukraine cannot be part of a military alliance, have nuclear weapons or have security forces.
- “Denazification” of Ukraine and a stop to the spread of “nazi-propaganda”.
- Russian as an official language in Ukraine, on par with Ukrainian.
- No sanctions against Russia and lifting of the requirement to replace or repair war damages.
President Trump vows to block conflicting congressional aid proposals
While Komsomolskaja Pravda suggested that if Democrats take control over the House of Representatives, they can propose a significant aid package for Ukraine, analysts remind readers that it must be approved by the Senate and signed by the president, who has veto power. Overriding this veto requires a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Trump stated Sunday that he likely becomes “Mr. Veto” if Congress comes with proposals that crash with his policy.
The independent Russian newspaper Meduza noted that a majority in Congress would allow Democrats to investigate Trump, block legislative initiatives and limit his spending priorities. Trump would however retain broad power over trade, foreign policy and the operation of the federal government. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitrij Peskov said Monday that the American midterm election is an internal matter for the USA, but that they are following it closely.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Midterm Elections and Russia
How have U.S. aid packages to Ukraine changed under the current administration?
The U.S. has not approved more support packages to Ukraine since Trump came back to power in January 2025.
What specific agreements are Russian analysts worried that Democrats will investigate?
Russian political scientists, including Dmitrij Suslov and Malek Dudakov, have warned that Democrats may investigate Trump’s negotiations with Russia, including the diesel agreement and sanctions relief.
What are the official peace terms demanded by Moscow?
According to reports, Moscow’s demands include the recognition of Crimea and four other Ukrainian regions as Russian territory, extensive restrictions on Ukraine’s military power, a ban on Ukraine joining a military alliance, the “denazification” of Ukraine, Russian as an official language, and no sanctions against Russia with the lifting of the requirement to pay war damages.
Reporting Sources
This report is based on coverage by Nettavisen, incorporating reporting from Gazeta.ru, Nezavisimaja Gazeta, Argumenty i Fakty, Komsomolskaja Pravda, Meduza, Reuters, and BBC News.
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